What specific metabolic condition can be induced by Sodium Bicarbonate use, potentially leading to dysrhythmias?

What specific metabolic condition can be induced by Sodium Bicarbonate use, potentially leading to dysrhythmias?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Hypokalaemia
• C. Metabolic alkalosis
• D. Respiratory alkalosis

Answer: (C)

Sodium bicarbonate is primarily used to treat metabolic acidosis by increasing the pH level in the body. However, one of the notable effects of administering sodium bicarbonate is the potential development of metabolic alkalosis. When sodium bicarbonate is introduced into the system, it can lead to an increase in bicarbonate ions in the blood, which raises the blood's pH, causing alkalosis. This metabolic alkalosis can disrupt the electrolyte balance, particularly affecting potassium levels within the body. As potassium levels fluctuate, it can lead to hypokalaemia, which may result in dysrhythmias. Therefore, understanding the relationship between sodium bicarbonate administration and its potential to induce metabolic alkalosis is crucial for managing patient care effectively, especially when monitoring for cardiac irregularities that may arise as a consequence.

Sodium bicarbonate is primarily used to treat metabolic acidosis by increasing the pH level in the body. However, one of the notable effects of administering sodium bicarbonate is the potential development of metabolic alkalosis. When sodium bicarbonate is introduced into the system, it can lead to an increase in bicarbonate ions in the blood, which raises the blood's pH, causing alkalosis.

This metabolic alkalosis can disrupt the electrolyte balance, particularly affecting potassium levels within the body. As potassium levels fluctuate, it can lead to hypokalaemia, which may result in dysrhythmias. Therefore, understanding the relationship between sodium bicarbonate administration and its potential to induce metabolic alkalosis is crucial for managing patient care effectively, especially when monitoring for cardiac irregularities that may arise as a consequence.